Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 17: Building strong bones during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood is crucial for maintaining bone health later in life, health experts have said, stressing that the foundation for healthy bones should ideally be established before the age of 30.

Bone mass increases rapidly during the growing years and reaches its peak in early adulthood. After this period, bone loss gradually becomes more common, making it important to adopt healthy habits early in life.

Experts recommend a balanced diet containing adequate calcium, vitamin D and protein, along with regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Exposure to sunlight, where appropriate, can also help the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and poor nutrition can negatively affect bone strength and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

Women, particularly after menopause, may experience faster bone loss because of declining oestrogen levels. Older adults and people with certain medical conditions or long-term use of medications that affect bone health may also face a higher risk.

Health experts therefore advise people not to wait until old age to start paying attention to their bones. Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active and ensuring adequate nutrition from an early age can help support stronger bones throughout life.

Regular medical evaluation may also be recommended for people at higher risk of osteoporosis. Early attention to bone health can help reduce the likelihood of fractures and other complications in later years.